The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) congratulates 2018 Fields Medallist Professor Akshay Venkatesh, one of 4 global mathematics leaders honoured at the opening of the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) 2018 in Brazil.
Considered the Nobel prize of mathematics, it is only the second time an Australian has won the prestigious award for outstanding existing and future contributions of mathematicians under 40.
Welcoming the announcement of Professor Venkatesh’s award, AMSI Director Professor Geoff Prince said the Stanford mathematician was a worthy recipient for his outstanding contribution to mathematics and number theory.
“Akshay’s mathematical achievements are more than deserving of a place beside the extraordinary contributions recognised since the Fields medal was first presented in 1936,” said Professor Prince.
Professor Prince said Venkatesh’s work has had significant impact on our understanding of mathematics including analytic number theory, algebraic number theory, and representation theory.
“Akshay is an exciting and innovative leader in his field whose work will continue to have wide-ranging implications for mathematics,” said Professor Prince.
It has been over a decade since an Australian was honoured, with fellow Australian mathematician, Professor Terrence Tao among five Fields medal recipients honoured in 2006.
One of the most prestigious mathematical awards globally, the Fields medial is named after Canadian mathematician and former ICM Secretary, Professor J.C. Fields. Presented every four years at ICM, the medal recognises two to four recipients under 40 for outstanding mathematical contributions and future research potential.
For Interview:
Professor Geoff Prince, AMSI Director
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 04215 18733
